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Word Alive Press is proud of the many talented authors we have the privilege of working with and we celebrate with them when their titles receive acknowledgment in the press! Here are some recent reviews of Word Alive Press titles.


		Surprised by God Author: Allan W. Moffat Article by: Angeline Schellenberg, Mennonite Brethren Herald Surprised by God is Gracepoint Community Church (Mennonite Brethren), Surrey, B.C., member Allan Moffat’s testimony of moving from fear and self-doubt to confidence in God’s love and leading. In stories about his distant father, failed first marriage, fears of drowning and public speaking, and introduction to his wife Beverly, God’s voice comes from unexpected places: a drug-trip viewing of a movie about The Who, a Christian coworker, dreams, Bible stories, tall grass, and the phonebook. Moffat’s story will resonate with a variety of readers inside and outside the church, hopefully leading all to reflect on their own surprising encounters with freedom, truth, love, grace, and trust.

		Promises You Can Count On Author: Natalie Gidney Article by: Janet Sketchley Natalie Gidney focuses on ten essential promises, including peace, salvation, grace and joy, and invites readers to “claim them and watch and see what He can do.” (p. 6) This slender book is ideal for new believers or for those considering faith in Jesus Christ. It’s also a good refresher for more seasoned Christians. Each chapter draws on a number of Scriptures to explore one of God’s promises. With an easy conversational style, Natalie looks at what this promise can mean in our lives, and she offers candid examples of what it’s meant in her own.

		Final Scenes Author: Janet Stark Article by: Joel Coppieters, Presbyterian Record The 80 short and true stories in Final Scenes by Janet Stark were composed though years of pastoral care given to those dealing with serious illnesses. The stories are about comfort, hope and healing. Stark is the Spiritual Care Director and Chaplain at the Brockville General Hospital, and an elder at St. Paul’s, Kemptville, Ont. She hopes the book will be a resource to healthcare chaplains, healthcare professionals, clergy, and pastoral care volunteers. And her book has garnered praise from [Rev. Dr. William] Klempa. In an official endorsement, Klempa said, “Final Scenes is a valuable teaching tool for professionals and equally instructive for family members and friends who seek to comfort, help and minister to the dying.” Final Scenes Author: Janet Stark Article by: Ashley Kulp, North Grenville News Coping with the loss of a loved one can be a painful and difficult time but Janet Stark is hoping her recently released book can ease that grief and aid in the healing process. The Kemptville resident, who has a background in palliative care (and has taught workshops at Beth Donovan Hospice and Dignity House in Perth, as well as the Dundas County Hospice in Winchester and Brockville and District Palliative Care Services), has released ‘Final Scenes: Bedside Tales at End of Life.’ It is a collection of 80 short stories surrounding those at the end of their life…. “The stories were written to provide comfort, some hope and healing,” she commented. “When people are distressed and grieving, they work through their grief and find their own story that makes sense to give them some support.” In writing the book, Stark also designed it so it would be a teaching tool for those in palliative care. “It’s a workshop in itself and it will teach staff and volunteers what are the spiritual needs at the end of life,” she stated. “I explain what they can do to help, using practical tools and tips.” This article appeared in the North Grenville News, a community-owned newspaper, on February 24, 2011. Final Scenes Author: Janet Stark Article by: Kirsten Schmidt-Chamberlain, Plain Views Final Scenes is an accessible book addressing the art of end-of-life care and particularly the spiritual realm. Ms. Stark provides readers with short stories that are easy-to-digest lessons on how volunteers, family members, health professionals, and spiritual care providers can make remarkable differences in the lives of patients/families. Her early experience of a ‘good death’ with her own grandmother informs her writing, providing readers with opportunities to think about what matters most. [Final Scenes] is also infused with comical moments that bring the importance of laughter to the forefront. Final Scenes can be used for individual learning and personal reflection, as well as for initiating discussions with hospice palliative teams. I look forward to using this book in my work with groups of professionals. It is a good tool to start discussions in case rounds and emphasizes the importance of the spiritual realm in end-of-life care.

		Rescued Author: Donna Dawson Review by: Ruth McGregor, The Beat Magazine What if there was an alternative to abortion? What if the technology was available to transfer an embryo from one woman’s uterus to another, allowing an unwanted pregnancy to become a wanted pregnancy? That is exactly the premise of Donna Dawson’s most recent novel, Rescued…London [Ontario] author Donna Dawson offers an engaging and animated narrative that focuses on the people and the science of this postulated solution to abortion. The book’s real strength is how it is able to portray the protagonists as authentic and believeable, exploring their emotions and reactions in a very compelling way. The ensuing media storm, threats from the procedure’s opponents and the fall-out from being a medical and social pioneer are all told with thoughtfulness and feeling. The characters feel real. And even though the outcome of the novel isn’t really in any doubt, there is tension and excitement at the end, and the author deals with the actual story very well.

		Going Missional Authors: Karen Stiller and Willard Metzger Review by: Angeline Schellenberg, Mennonite Brethren Herald Nothing is more inspiring than hearing about a church stepping into their community – except perhaps reading about 13 of them at once. Written by Faith Today’s Karen Stiller and newly appointed Mennonite Church Canada general secretary Willard Metzger, Going Missional profiles churches from Coquitlam to Halifax – and Presbyterian to Pentecostal – meeting local needs in creative ways. Included are 3 Mennonite Brethren congregations: the committed “risktakers” of Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon; the “encouragers” of Winkler (MB) Mennonite Brethren Church; and the homelessness “activists” of Southridge Community Church, St. Catharines, ON. Whether you’re ready to take baby steps toward joining God at work in your neighbourhood, or to jump in with both feet, Going Missional will provide your church with both ideas and motivation. Going Missional Authors: Karen Stiller and Willard Metzger Review by: Wayne Holst, Faith Today Magazine Canadian evangelicalism is maturing. It’s obvious as one reads about the qualitative growth, organic development, desire for excellence and humble spirit in this book, a distillation from 46 interviews with 13 congregations involving communities ranging from Duncan, B.C. to Halifax, N.S. Those interviewed were asked, “What does it mean for you to be a missional church?” Among the rich variety of responses and definitions of what “missional” means, several pivotal insights dominate. To be missional is to be open and aware of what God is doing in the community – within and beyond the congregation itself – and then to help people join into those things God is doing. A focus on serving the wider community by discovering its real needs requires careful listening and then acting to fill a niche needing attention. Merely “filling pews” and “counting heads” is not enough – Christians are called to move past spiritual consumerism to authentic servanthood. This book provides valuable sketches of some very creative ministry taking place in Canada today.

		Come to Me Author: Laura J. Davis Review by: Peter Black, The Watford Guide-Advocate The Watford Guide-Advocate is a community weekly-newspaper based out of Watford, ON. In Come to Me, Laura tells the story of Jesus as though through the eyes of His mother Mary. She presents a natural, kind, and gentle portrayal of Him that loses none of the mystery and wonder of the Son of God – "the Word made flesh." This work presents Joseph and Mary and Jesus, and a cast of many interesting characters, not as flat 2-dimensional figures, but three-dimensional living personalities. Appreciate the child Jesus’ innocence, enjoy His humour, and witness the miracles and His manly compassion and love. Feel His passion, sense and contemplate His suffering, and share His victory in offering Himself up to God in our behalf to provide forgiveness and cleansing of all our sins. Laura has researched well the biblical accounts and other historical sources, and drawn a compelling narrative, reading between the lines of what may have been and what actually occurred according to the biblical narratives. I’m finding this to be an ideal book for Advent and Christmas reading.
		Come to Me Author: Laura J. Davis Review by: Heidi McLaughlin, HeartConnection.WordPress.com Come to Me is beautifully written in the context of intimate conversations taking place between Jesus’ mother, Mary, and Jesus’ disciples. As we get older, we love to recall all the funny, mischevious, frolicking moments in our children’s lives. Mary is no different. In this book Mary is in her declinings years and passionately and lovingly goes back to vividly recall the stories of Jesus growing up years and powerful ministry. Laura does an outstanding tribute to the details as written in the gospels, but adds just enough detail to bring smells, feel and sound to these profound and life transforming stories. With her descriptive words, she was able to bring a 3D version to Jesus’ interactions with his disciples, the turning of water into wine, the heart wrenching journey to the cross and many of His teaching and healing encounters. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs a clearer, more descriptive understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus. This is a great book for new believers, as it explains the life of Jesus in a clear yet powerful, narrative. It is also perfect for those who have known Jesus for many years, because it portrays Jesus in an intimate way that draws us even closer to what He did for us while walking on this earth.

		Come Find Me Author: Ruth Waring Review by: Laura Davis, Interviews & Reviews What happens when you are forced to give up your faith and take on another because you are facing persecution? In Come Find Me, by Canadian author Ruth Waring, the main character, Evelyn Sherwood, becomes bitter and eventually her bitterness turns into hatred toward God. Come Find Me follows Evelyn's life as she encounters a God, who despite her distrust of Him, reaches out to her in a remarkable way. Evelyn marries a man who later becomes a Christian, but she won't have anything to do with his God. Everyone in Evelyn's life is a Christian - even her daughter. Yet, she has never reconciled the Messiah they believe in, to her own Jewish heritage. Through a series of surprise events that I can't tell you about because it would spoil the story, Evelyn comes face to face with her past in an ending that will touch one and all. Read the rest of the review here This title is available through Amazon.com/ca and wherever fine Christian books are sold.

		What Rough Beast Author: Shawn J. Pollett Review by: Laura Davis, Interviews & Reviews Author Shawn Pollett is an incredible writer. I knew that after I read the first book in the Cry of the Martyrs Trilogy -Christianus Sum. After reading What Rough Beast, the second book in the series, (I have to say that) this guy is gold. Damarra and Valens are back and living in peace after the death of Emperor Decius. But the reprieve from persecution for the Christians in the Roman Empire is coming to an end. A new emperor with a hatred for Christians has come to power and he is promising to return Rome to it's glory days. Unfortunately, he has to deal with barbarian invasions in the north and Persian invasions from the east. But this emperor believes he is a god and that makes him more dangerous then Decius. Read the rest of the review here This title is available through Amazon.com/ca and wherever fine Christian books are sold.

		Captives of Minara Author: Eric E. Wright Review by: Laura Davis, Interviews & Reviews Captives of Minara by Canadian author Eric. E. Wright will hold you captive from the very first page. The author's knowledge of Pakistan, it's people, culture and language make the events in this book so believable, I felt like I was there. It's that good. Josh Radley is a journalist and he travels to Pakistan to write about the discovery of a 4500-year-old-lost city that is being excavated (Pattan Minara). Unfortunately, he discovers more than artifacts. From kidnappings and murder to slavery and drugs, this book would make an incredible movie. The theme of trusting in God when all seems hopeless runs throughout, yet it is not overly religious. With a firm knowledge of the Urdu language, the author has even included a translation at the back of the book. I liked that he did this. It wouldn't have been real if the Pakistani characters all spoke English. Turning to the back once in awhile did not take away from my enjoyment of the book, but added to it. Read the rest of the review here This title is available through Amazon.com/ca and wherever fine Christian books are sold.

		The Little Ones Author: M. D. Meyer Review by: Marcy Kennedy, Maranatha News In their first experience as foster parents, Colin and Sarah Hill find themselves caring for the two daughters of the man who sexually abused Colin as a child. Under six years old, the girls already show the signs of severe neglect and abuse—Emmeline lashes out physically; Verena eats from the garbage like a stray dog. Chief of Police Colin works to solve a kidnapping, only to begin to suspect that not only is the girls’ father out of jail and back in the remote Native reservation of Rabbit Lake, Ontario, but that he is also behind the kidnapping. Worse, he’ll do whatever it takes to get his daughters back. Meyer effortlessly weaves together suspense, deep theology, and the contemporary issue of the lasting scars of child abuse, as her characters seek to answer the question “Can God be both merciful and just?”

		Christianus Sum Author: Shawn J. Pollett Review by: Marcy Kennedy, Maranatha News In AD 249, Valerianus is one of the most powerful men in the Roman Empire. He lusts for two things—the shed blood of Christians and a Christian slave girl named Damarra. Motivated by love for Damarra, Senator Julius Valens dares to stand in Valerianus’ way. As Valerianus’ persecution of Christians and his quest for revenge against Valens escalates, Valens willingly sacrifices everything to keep Damarra safe. And Damarra willingly sacrifices everything to help Valens be able to proclaim “Christianus Sum. I am Christian.” Pollett combines a strong plotline with detailed historical accuracy to give the comfortable Western world a picture of the courage it took to stay loyal to your faith in the face of death. On par with Francine Rivers’s Mark of the Lion trilogy, Christianus Sum is well deserving of the three awards it won in this year’s Canadian Christian Writing Awards.
		Christianus Sum Author: Shawn J. Pollett Review by: Laura Davis, Interviews & Reviews I always love a book that makes me sigh with pleasure, pat the cover and sit still for a few minutes after the ending to let it continue to wash over me. Christianus Sum by Canadian author Shawn J. Pollett, does just that. A sweeping epic filled with suspense, intrigue and romance. Set in third century Rome, a new emperor has ascended the throne and the peace that Christians have known is suddenly snatched away. All Christians are required to deny Christ and sacrifice to the gods. Senator Julius Valens is caught between his desire to serve Rome and his love for Damarra, his slave and a Christian.While he wins her heart, he must decide whom he will serve - Rome or God. This beautiful novel left me spellbound. Read the rest of the review here This title is available through Amazon.com/ca and wherever fine Christian books are sold.

		Vengeance Author: Donna Dawson Review by: Marcy Kennedy, Maranatha News FBI agent James Benedict expected a relaxing two-week vacation on his Hawaiian cruise, but instead finds himself investigating a series of deaths aboard ship. Two seemingly healthy passengers suddenly break out into flesh-eating boils and die within hours. While James attempts to figure out whether it’s a virus or a murderer before another person dies, his colleagues on land find their efforts to help sabotaged at every turn. Worse, the life of the woman James loves is put in jeopardy. Although this book moves a little slowly at times for a suspense novel, Dawson finds the balance, tenuous and difficult to achieve, between dropping enough clues to the identity of the antagonists and dropping too many. When the antagonists are revealed at the end, you’ll have that satisfying “I should have figured that out” feeling. Vengeance merits its two award wins in this year’s Canadian Christian Writing Awards.
		Vengeance Author: Donna Dawson Review by: Laura Davis, Interviews & Reviews James Kirk Benedict is on a much needed vacation aboard the cruise ship The Cormorant. Unfortunately, as he settles into relax, people start dying, covered in horrible boils that eat into their flesh and bone. They are dead within minutes and it is feared that a biological weapon has been released on the floating hotel. Will James Benedict be able to stop the virus that is spreading or will he be a victim too? This well written novel of suspense by Canadian author Donna Dawson, is sure to keep the reader guessing until the end. I felt like I was reading a John Grisham novel (yes, it was that good!). It is obvious that Donna has researched her topic matter, which makes her characters both believable and intriguing. There is another side story as well, that involves Benedict's girlfriend Dr. Julie Holding, a psychologist in the FBI's Victim Assistance Office. She is left to help a little girl who had been kidnapped and abused, (Cassandra) whom James had rescued on a previous mission. This storyline is very tender and presents the love of Christ in a healing and natural way. Read the rest of the review here This title is available through Amazon.com/ca and wherever fine Christian books are sold.

		Not Easily Broken Author: Ruth Smith Meyer Review by: Marcy Kennedy, Maranatha News If your parents ordered you to break off your engagement and marry your sister’s widower instead, would you obey? Motivated by respect for her parents and love for her two nieces, Ellie Schwartz does. She and John Kurtz base their marriage on commitment and find that, as long as commitment is present, love will grow over time. The strength of Canadian author Ruth Smith Meyer’s faith in God is evident in her characters as they pray, quote Scripture, and muse upon God’s faithfulness, despite the trials they face. Consequently, she manages to deal with the powerful emotions that accompany the death of a spouse, with honesty, and yet with hope. Overall, Meyer could have strengthened her story and kept a tighter hold on the reader’s interest by increasing the tension in the plot, and honing her dialogue until it acquired a more realistic sound.

		Agape Love Of God Author: Akwasi Afriyie Reviewed by: Lisa Hall Wilson, Maranatha News This 104 page soft cover is a quick read. If perfect love casts out fear, if we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, if indeed God is love — then that makes the discussion of love a core issue of the faith and Akwasi Afriyie says, “It is the measure of everything.” The author breaks down what can be an overwhelming and daunting topic, love and all its varied parts, to the most basic components. How does God love us, His children? How are we to love God, others, ourselves? What power do words have over love? This book examines the topic in an easy, understandable way. I would recommend this book for those new to the character of God. Those who have long been His followers will benefit from this fresh, simplified discussion. The author writes in a straightforward manner using his unique voice.

		Two Roads: One Man’s Journey From Drug Lord to Salvation Author: Randy Robb Reviewed by: Lisa Hall-Wilson, Maranatha News I’m not a huge fan of autobiographies, generally. But I sat down and started flipping through the preface and the first chapter. Two hours passed, and I’d read all but the last thirty pages and hadn’t moved from my desk. Two Roads: One man’s journey from drug lord to salvation captivated me. Robb moves beyond the sensational with raw vulnerability, and allows the reader into his own thoughts and feelings as he relived these turbulent and painful years. The author demonstrated his ability to procure and deal drugs in small Ontario towns like Keswick, Guelph, and Owen Sound, proving that these problems are rampant everywhere, not just in the big cities. I’ve heard many stories from recovered drug addicts, but Robb tells his story with depth and detail that most prefer to forget or skip over — and therein lies the power of his story. I recommend this book for any parent struggling with a teen’s drug use; for church leaders; and for laypeople wishing to understand the pervasiveness and danger of drugs from a new perspective.

		Because We Prayed Author: Mary Haskett ISBN: 1-926676-16-5 Reviewed by: Lisa Hall-Wilson, Maranatha News Sit down a while and have a cuppa, Bible in hand. Reading this book on prayer was like sitting down to tea with the author. Her warm style, sprinkled with relevant and real personal anecdotes, brought her lessons home with honesty and compassion. Because We Prayed: Ten Considerations for Effective Prayer covers a wide range of topics ranging from judging others to spiritual warfare to why pray at all? I found Mary Haskett’s words of wisdom, learned from her own experiences as a prayer warrior, compelling and impactful. I was touched by the author’s willingness to share not only her own heartaches with transparency, but also the ways she dealt with those hard times and found her faith increased. She encourages readers to see as God sees, and to listen for that quiet voice. Each chapter builds upon another, and demonstrates not just the effectiveness and necessity of an active prayer life, but the blessings to be had as well.

		Before I Knew You Loved Me Author: M.A.K. Moran Reviewed by: Lisa Hall-Wilson, Maranatha News Before I Knew You Loved Me, was a Word Guild finalist at the 2009 Canadian Christian Writing Awards. Mary Anne K. Moran shares a child-hood spent competing for affection, the effects of parental alcoholism, sexual abuse, and her search for acceptance. I enjoyed this personal story in this 108-page, soft-cover book. Written in an easy-to-understand, conversational style, the author tackles some very sensitive issues, including adultery, failed marriage, single parenthood, and financial strain. Moran instructs as she shares, teaching by example. Though I’m sure there were many details omitted, I didn’t feel any gaps in the story. I especially enjoyed the letter from her daughter at the end. Redemption and grace are common themes in almost every chapter.

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